Scabies infestations are less than pleasant--and highly contagious to others with whom you have have prolonged physical contact. Neem oil isn't the first-line treatment for the tiny mites that burrow under your skin and cause an itchy rash; medical experts at the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control recommend prescription topical medications called scabicides. However, if you want to avoid the potential toxicity of these topical insecticides, a neem oil skincare product may be one treatment option. Integrative physician Andrew Weil, who recommends using this natural pesticide to treat scabies, stresses the importance of selecting medicinal-grade neem products. The following illustrates one way in which neem oil is used to treat scabies and should not be used in place of your doctor's advice.
Step 1
Prepare. The "Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" advises mixing several teaspoons of ground turmeric into your neem oil skincare product so that it's the consistency of a paste.
Step 2
Apply. According to the "Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook," the neem and turmeric paste should be applied to the parts of the body affected by scabies. Note, however, that when using conventional prescription medications, these must be applied to all parts of the skin from the neck down, including under the nails, between the buttocks and between the fingers and toes.
Step 3
Continue. Apply the neem and turmeric paste for up to two weeks. The "Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" notes that improvement may be noted in three to five days.
Step 4
Decontaminate. Scabies mites can survive without a human host for up to three days. Prevent reinfection by machine washing linens, clothes and towels used by the person infested with scabies in hot water. Dry on high heat. Store anything that cannot be washed in sealed plastic containers for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstery.
Things You'll Need
- Neem oil skincare product (medicinal grade)
- Ground turmeric
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